Enter the Stromer Electric Bike Contest for a Chance to Win a New E-Bicycle

Stromer electric bikes are rolling into the U.S. market, and the European company is hoping for an early breakaway in the race among manufacturers of electric assist bicycles.

The Swiss maker has announced a sweepstakes to celebrate the introduction of its ST1 model of e-bicycle to the United States. One contest entrant will win a new ST1 Elite Stromer e-bike with a retail price of $3,499. Stromer bills the ST1 as “user-friendly” and easy to control, even for riders with limited cycling experience. The company hopes consumers interested in forms of green transportation will embrace its newest introduction to the U.S. market.

Electric bicycles, also known as pedal assist bicycles, supplement pedaling through motors that are powered by rechargeable batteries. An electric-assist bicycle motor almost doubles the effort a rider puts into pedaling. These machines are especially suited to commuters who wish to arrive at work in clothing that isn't sweaty from exertion. Stromer’s ST1 Elite has 9 speeds, and can achieve a maximum of 20 miles per hour with a charge range of between 20 and 40 miles. A more expensive Stromer electric bike model — the ST1 Platinum — has an advertised top speed of 30 mph, with a range of 25 to 50 miles.

About 26 million electric bicycles were sold worldwide in 2010, and those numbers continue to grow annually as the machines gain popularity among riders who want help tackling hills, heavy wind and other cycling difficulties. Besides commuting, pedal assist bikes are suited to the heavy loads hauled during utility and cargo cycling. E-bicycle riders — especially those with long commutes — appreciate the added oomph a pedal-assist bicycle provides when the motor engages.

Visit the Stromer website to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the company’s newest models of electric bicycles. The contest winner must be a resident of the continental U.S. and possess a phone number and email address. The contest ends on May 17, 2013.

Rebecca Martin is an Associate Editor at MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine, where her beats include DIY and Green Transportation. She's an avid cyclist and has never met a vegetable she didn't like. You can find her on Google+.

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